Encouraging Development As Ban On Advertising Drugs Rejected

BMI View: The defeat of a bill that would have led to a complete ban on the advertising over-the-counter (OTC) medicines in Ukraine will be welcomed by drug makers operating in the market. However, recent comments from the prime minster, Mykola Azarov, may reignite speculation over whether or not similar measures could be introduced in legislation in the future, but it would seem the defeat makes unfavourable controls in the short-term unlikely. BMI no longer views this bill as a short-term risk to the Ukraine's pharmaceutical market. Furthermore, efforts by the government to tackle counterfeit medicines should be viewed favourably, as Ukraine continues its long-term goal of harmonising medicine regulations with European standards.

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